COMMUNITY gardens present a wonderful way of getting people from all sorts of life, to work together to look after and tend the land for their total enjoyment.
The opportunities are many, from a small patch on the footpath to a ‘landcare group’ planting waterways and creeks, to council adding bushcare groups and planting native trees in endangered areas.
But it’s not only these groups, it’s the schools throughout the state using this method to teach kids where our food comes from.
Walloon State School pupils are harvesting their own crops to use in their own cooking program and growing native plants from seed to trees.
The Salvation Army has a wholesale nursery at Riverview, which is a social enterprise and a place of work and respite for people from all walks of life.
The Mens shed at Bundamba has a garden where those wanting to continue their passion for gardening, can still grow vegetables, even after they have moved from their initial place of residence.
While the State government is working on the flood by-back system to allow councils to rezone land, once flooded, for open places or community use, maybe even community gardens.
The garden (pictured) is the community garden at Bremer Waters lifestyle village at Moores Pocket here in Ipswich.
Commenced about eight years ago, the then manager asked residents if they would like an area of land as a community garden.
The offer was taken up, a committee formed and work begun on making above ground gardens suitable for older residents to manage. Around 15 families joined the garden group with meetings held monthly.
Over the years the ideas have changed slightly, residents have come and gone but the gardens remain and are tendered by a staunch band of gardeners, growing all sorts of vegetables to give away or for home use, supplementing the space available on their own small block of land.
Many of the villages in the Ipswich area have their own community gardens, tendered by their residents while there are some energetic people (Jim at Bremer Waters) who look after spare bushy areas of their village for the benefit of others.
Even Ipswich city council is greening up the city by installing large timber pots with small trees (in areas maybe a little unsightly to the eye), together with areas of flowers on the footpaths and on the side of the road leading into the city.
The opening of Tulmar place as a greened area of the city, is a delight and even if all the shops are not quite there yet, well worth a walk down the precinct.
While our magnificent Queens Park, right in the centre of Ipswich, home to a host of sporting events each weekend, is a wonderful place for a picnic.
Its garden and trees planted years ago are a testament to our forefathers’ vision.
And of course, our own animal zoo, set amidst trees and walkways, a great place for the kids to visit. A place of learning for those little minds to wonder at.
Don’t forget the free tree program from the council. Each year council will give you free plants for your home on producing your current rate notice.
Till next time.
